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What To Bring For Your Tax Appointment

Getting organized to prepare for your tax appointment can save you a ton of time, and is well worth the effort.

If it’s just after tax season, this list will help you know what documents to keep an eye out for throughout the year and set aside. If your tax appointment is right around the corner, this list is a great resource to help you track down the right documents.

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With all of the changes every year (and, of course, that’s especially true THIS year), filing your taxes on your own is not for the faint of heart. That’s even with nice-looking software on the market which purports to make it easy for you.

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Filing your taxes on your own is not for the faint of heart. That’s even with nice-looking software on the market which purports to make it easy for you.

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But that’s what we’re here for. Let *us* make it easy for you.

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Below is a list of what you will need during the tax preparation process. Not all of them will apply to you — probably MOST will not. Nonetheless, it’s a useful checklist.

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Before you get overwhelmed: yes, this is a long list — but it’s the unfortunate reality of our tax code that it’s not even comprehensive! But these items will cover 95% of our clients. Really, this is for ensuring that we’re able to help you keep every dollar you can keep under our tax code.

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Also note: Certain deductions went away this year, that we’re used to handling on behalf of our clients. And some that you might be used to as well. This list has changed a little, and I’ve notated additional changes coming down the pike.

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But again … we will be your guide. That’s what we’re here for.

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Even if for some strange reason you won’t be using our cost-effective services this year, feel free to use this list as a handy guide…

Tax Preparation Checklist

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 Personal Data

  • Social Security Numbers (including spouse and children)

  • Child care provider tax I.D. or Social Security Number

Employment & Income Data

  • W-2 forms for this year

  • Tax refunds and unemployment compensation: Form 1099-G

  • Miscellaneous income including rent: Form 1099-MISC

  • Partnership and trust income

  • Pensions and annuities

  • Alimony received

  • Jury duty pay

  • Gambling and lottery winnings

  • Prizes and awards

  • Scholarships and fellowships

  • State and local income tax refunds

  • Unemployment compensation

Health Insurance Information

NOTE — As it says on the IRS health insurance information page, form 1040 will not have the “full-year health care coverage or exempt” box and Form 8965, Health Coverage Exemptions, will no longer be used. You need not make a shared responsibility payment or file Form 8965, Health Coverage Exemptions, with your tax return if you don’t have minimum essential coverage for part or all of 2019.

  • All 1095-A Forms from Marketplace providers (if you purchased insurance through a Marketplace)

  • Records of credits and/or advance payments received from the Premium Tax Credit (if claiming)

Homeowner/Renter Data

  • Residential address(es) for this year

  • Mortgage interest: Form 1098

  • Sale of your home or other real estates: Form 1099-S

  • The second mortgage interest paid

  • Real estate taxes paid

  • Rent paid during the tax year

  • Moving expenses (if in the active military, and moving for new orders)

  • Reimbursements for moving (counts as ordinary income)

Financial Assets

  • Interest income statements: Form 1099-INT & 1099-OID

  • Dividend income statements: Form 1099-DIV

  • Proceeds from broker transactions: Form 1099-B

  • Retirement plan distribution: Form 1099-R

  • Capital gains or losses

Financial Liabilities

  • Auto loans and leases (account numbers and car value) if vehicle used for business

  • Student loan interest paid

  • Early withdrawal penalties on CDs and other fixed time deposits

Expenses

  • Gifts to charity (receipts for any single donation of $250 or more)

  • Unreimbursed expenses related to volunteer work

  • Investment expenses

  • Job-hunting expenses

  • Education expenses (tuition and fees)

  • Child care expenses

  • Medical Savings Accounts

  • Adoption expenses

Automobiles

  • Personal property tax information

  • Department of Motor Vehicles fees

Self-Employment Data

  • Estimated tax vouchers for the current year

  • Self-employment tax

  • Self-employment SEP plans

  • Self-employed health insurance

  • K-1s on all partnerships

  • Receipts or documentation for business-related expenses

  • Farm income

Deduction Documents

  • State and local income taxes (note: $10,000 limit, as last year)

  • IRA, Keogh, and other retirement plan contributions

  • Medical expenses

  • Other miscellaneous deductions

Download the Tax Preparation Checklist:

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